Villa call-ups delight O'Neill

Feb 1 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill's disappointment at not being able to add to his squad on deadline day was tempered, partly, by the call-up of five of his players to the England squad to face Switzerland.

Villa's interest in signing Kevin Prince Boateng failed to materialise, not helped by a wealth of talent leaving White Hart Lane, including long-time target Jermain Defoe to Portsmouth.

And the news that the proposed transfer of American goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Chivas USA has been cancelled after the player's work permit application was turned down made it a doubly disappointing day.

O'Neill had managed to spend just £1.5million on Wayne Routledge during the window and had lost Gary Cahill to Bolton, while also learning that Olof Mellberg would be leaving for Juventus at the end of the season.

It means O'Neill still has no recognised right-back on his books.

But his frustrations in the market were countered by his elation that Curtis Davies, who called himself a "pub player" following his debut against Leicester City, has earned a call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad, alongside a much-deserving Gabby Agbonlahor.

"They have been absolutely terrific, I'm delighted - just to be in the manager's thoughts is absolutely fantastic for them," said O'Neill.

"It's a great credit to the players and also reflects well on the club.''

O'Neill said Davies's honest assessment after his debut exemplified the high standards he sets for himself.

"He didn't play particularly well - but he wasn't the only one that evening,'' he said.

"He was very harsh on himself and that's one of the endearing qualities about Curtis, he does analyse his game.

"He has made massive strides since then. He got his opportunity when Zat Knight was sent off against Chelsea on Boxing Day.

"And he has taken his chance and come from relative obscurity to take his place."

O'Neill, meanwhile, was disappointed not to get a permit for Guzan.

He said: "We're very disappointed with the outcome as we were really looking forward to Brad joining us, but unfortunately it wasn't to be."